Semi-automatic meteoroid fragmentation modeling using genetic algorithms

0574429 - ASÚ 2024 RIV FR eng J - Journal Article
Henych, Tomáš - Borovička, Jiří - Spurný, Pavel
Semi-automatic meteoroid fragmentation modeling using genetic algorithms.
Astronomy & Astrophysics. Roč. 671, March (2023), č. článku A23. ISSN 0004-6361. E-ISSN 1432-0746
R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GX19-26232X
Institutional support: RVO:67985815
Keywords : meteorites * meteors * meteoroids
OECD category: Astronomy (including astrophysics,space science)
Impact factor: 6.5, year: 2022
Method of publishing: Open access

Through physical modeling of bright meteors, we describe their fragmentation in the atmosphere. We also derive their mechanical strength and the mass distribution of the fragments, some of which may hit the ground as meteorites. We developed a semi-automatic program for meteoroid fragmentation modeling using parallel genetic algorithms. This allowed us to determine the most probable fragmentation cascade of the meteoroid, and also to specify its initial mass and velocity. These parameters can be used in turn to derive the heliocentric orbit of the meteoroid and to place constraints on its likely age as a separate object. The program offers plausible solutions for the majority of fireballs we tested, and the quality of the solutions is comparable to that of manual solutions. The two solutions are not the same in detail, but the derived quantities, such as the fragment masses of the larger fragments and the proxy for their mechanical strength, are very similar. With this method, we would like to describe the mechanical properties and structure of both meteoroids belonging to major meteor showers and those that cause exceptional fireballs.
Permanent Link: https://hdl.handle.net/11104/0345948